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CLEVELAND (AP) -- A panel overseeing Cleveland's zoo has been asked to make it smoke-free.

Parks commissioners met Thursday and received materials from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo officials making the case for a smoking ban.

Zoo spokeswoman Sue Allen says a memorandum was included stating that a large foundation said it could not continue to support the zoo unless smoking was banned. She did not name the foundation.

Zoo officials say smoking is not permitted at other major zoos.

The Cincinnati, Toledo and Akron zoos prohibit smoking on their grounds. The website for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium states it allows people to light up in designated areas.

Allen says Cleveland's zoo is hopeful commissioners will approve a ban that would be enacted at the start of 2011.

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